دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی روش های شبیه سازی برای مدیریت هزینه و عملکرد در پروژه های ساخت و ساز در مالزی - امرالد 2017

Abstract

Purpose: Simulation techniques for cost management are useful for modeling uncertainties, making decisions, and improving the accuracy of cost estimation. Despite their usefulness, the application of these techniques in construction projects seems to be uncommon in the construction sector in Malaysia. The purpose of this paper is to determine the application of simulation techniques for cost estimation and control and to assess their influence on project cost performance. Design/methodology/approach: A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 83 government agencies, consultant firms, and contractor firms in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Findings: The findings revealed that knowledge of respondents and usage of cost simulation techniques in the Malaysian construction industry is low. In addition, main barriers of implementing cost simulation techniques are identified. Cost performance of construction projects in Malaysia is satisfactory; however, there is no association between this performance and the application of simulation techniques. Originality/value: This paper contributes to construction management field by highlighting the main simulation techniques for cost management and drawing the attention of construction professionals and contractors to implement these techniques in construction projects.

Conclusion

This paper presents the results of the implementation and barriers of cost simulation techniques based on the perception of professionals working in construction projects in Malaysia. The associations between project cost performance and simulation techniques implementation, usage, and barriers are presented in this paper. The level of understanding and usage of simulation techniques in Malaysia is still low. These techniques have not been widely applied in cost management activities such as what-if analysis, cost estimation accuracy, risk analysis, and contingency cost estimation. The low uptake of these techniques can be related to some identified barriers including the high price of simulation techniques, lack of awareness, lack of skills, and sophistication of simulation process. Although the study did not find an association between the implementation of simulation techniques and project cost performance, there is a need to promote the application of these techniques to attain the other benefits of cost management during project planning and control. The full potential and benefits of simulation techniques can only be realized when these techniques are applied widely in construction projects. Construction key players including the government, construction associations, and performing organizations should have a role to play in increasing the awareness of simulation tools implementation and benefits. Consequently, more accurate cost estimation and control can be attained, which contribute to better project cost performance. The identified techniques and factors in this study can be used as a guideline for construction companies to increase simulation awareness, usage, and implementation. Future research can be conducted about trend analysis of technology usage and its association with cost performance over a period of time so the role of simulation can be understood better.